The Toshakhana-II case against former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi has entered its final stages, as the prosecution closed its arguments after recording statements from its last two witnesses.
The witnesses included NAB’s Investigating Officer Mohsin Haroon and FIA’s Investigating Officer Shahid Pervaiz, who will be cross-examined by the defense on September 24.
In total, statements of 20 witnesses have been recorded, with cross-examination completed for 18 of them.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were presented in court during the proceedings. The PTI founder’s three sisters and Bushra Bibi’s sister-in-law, Mehrunissa, were also in attendance.
Defense lawyers Arshad Tabraiz, Zaheer Abbas, and Barrister Ali Zafar appeared on behalf of Imran Khan, while Federal Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi and Barrister Umair Majeed represented the prosecution.
The hearing was conducted inside Adiala Jail by Special Central Judge Shahrukh Arjumand. The case was adjourned until September 24.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has called on the public to attend the mass rally, scheduled for September 27 in Peshawar, describing it as a demonstration for the nation’s freedom.
“The media’s voice has been strangled. This rally is for the nation’s freedom. The party has been instructed to make it a success,” said Aleema Khan on Monday while speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, conveying her brother’s message.
“He has said the agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is very important, and that Pakistan must keep its global links strong. He also said that protecting the holy mosques is an honour for us,” she noted, quoting the party founder.
She added the former prime minister also pointed to developments in the Toshakhana case. “One witness has been proven false. The case should end on the basis of false testimony. The former military secretary also declared all documents valid. It seems the case could conclude in the next two or three hearings,” she added.
Aleema expressed hope that both Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, would be released.
The PTI founder reiterated his claim that his party had won two-thirds majority but votes were stolen. “Our votes were stolen and given to thieves. Convicted people have been imposed on the nation. Morality has been buried in Pakistan. The 26th Amendment has completely suppressed the judiciary,” Aleema quoted party chief as saying.
Imran praised judges who, he said, had stood up for the rule of law, calling them “heroes of the nation.” Aleema added that Khan had assigned responsibility for the rally to PTI leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Junaid Akbar. She said, Khan has asked his lawyers and party members not to engage with the military establishment.
“For three years we tried for dialogue, but instead, our party was further suppressed. There is no benefit in talks. Whoever wants to talk, should come to jail,” she quoted Imran as saying.
Meanwhile, PTI leadership in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has declared its upcoming September 27 rally in Peshawar a milestone in the push for the release of its jailed party founder, Imran Khan.
According to media reports, the announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by CM Gandapur. PTI committee members of Peshawar district attended the session, which finalised arrangements and strategy for the gathering.
The rally is scheduled to be held near Ring Road Motorway Chowk in Peshawar, beginning at 4 pm. PTI has appointed the chief minister’s spokesman, Faraz Mughal, as the focal person for the rally. Party leaders have described the upcoming gathering as a call for Imran’s release as well as a landmark moment in the ‘movement for real freedom’.